Joint UNU–TUHH PhD Program in Engineering to Face Climate Change
The Joint UNU–TUHH PhD Program in Engineering to Face Climate Change offers doctoral researchers at Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) the opportunity to complement their regular TUHH doctoral degree with a structured research and training program developed in collaboration with the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH).
The program connects advanced engineering research with global challenges in climate change, sustainability, resource management and resilience. Through collaboration with UNU and the wider UN system, doctoral candidates gain international research experience, policy-relevant skills and access to global expertise and networks while pursuing their doctorate at TUHH.
Who can apply?
The program is open to doctoral candidates admitted to TUHH under the existing doctoral regulations.
Candidates must:
hold a recognized Master's degree that meets TUHH's doctoral admission requirements;
be accepted by a TUHH professor as their primary supervisor;
establish an affiliation with a co-supervisor within the UN system; and
formally apply to the Joint UNU–TUHH PhD Program.
Participation in the joint program does not replace TUHH's regular doctoral admission process.
Program at a glance
The Joint UNU–TUHH PhD Program maintains the existing TUHH doctoral framework and degree regulations while adding structured UNU-related research, training and international collaboration.
Component
Current TUHH Doctoral Framework
Joint UNU–TUHH PhD Program Engineering to Face Climate Change
Admission
Admission according to TUHH doctoral regulations and faculty approval.
TUHH requirements remain unchanged. Candidates additionally submit a formal application to the Joint UNU–TUHH PhD Program.
UN Training
No general mandatory coursework; training requirements may depend on the faculty or graduate school.
Completion of at least three UN online short courses, representing a minimum of 20 hours of training in areas related to the UNU Hub.
Research Plan
Doctoral research proposal developed with the TUHH supervisor according to faculty procedures.
Research must align with the SDGs and address relevant global challenges in areas such as climate resilience, soil and water security, sustainability and engineering innovation.
Co-Supervision
Primary supervision by a TUHH faculty member.
Mandatory co-supervision by a UNU-INWEH researcher or an affiliated expert within the UNU or UN system.
Research & Dissemination
Dissertation must represent original research and meet TUHH publication and defense requirements.
In addition to TUHH requirements, candidates produce at least one policy-oriented output and present their research in a UNU-related seminar.
Doctoral Defense
Oral defense and dissertation committee according to TUHH doctoral regulations.
TUHH regulations remain applicable. At least one committee/advisory member should be affiliated with UNU-INWEH or the UN system, subject to TUHH regulations.
What will you gain?
The program combines TUHH's doctoral research environment with structured engagement with UNU and the UN system. Doctoral candidates have opportunities to:
work with TUHH and UNU/UN researchers through international co-supervision;
connect their research with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global sustainability priorities;
participate in UNU seminars, training and international research networks;
develop skills for translating scientific findings into policy briefs, advisory outputs and strategic recommendations;
increase the international visibility and policy relevance of their research; and
build networks relevant to careers in academia, international organizations, research consortia, development institutions and climate and sustainability policy.
Degree and UNU recognition
Upon successful completion, doctoral candidates receive:
TUHH doctoral degree (Dr.-Ing. or Dr. rer. nat.) + UNU-INWEH Certificate in “Engineering to Face Climate Change”
Connecting research and global policy
A distinctive element of the program is the opportunity to develop research that is both scientifically rigorous and relevant to international sustainability and climate policy.
In addition to their dissertation research, candidates learn to communicate scientific findings in formats relevant to decision-makers and international institutions and engage with UNU researchers and global research networks.
Interested in joining the program? Information on the application process will be published on this page soon.
Stay tuned for updates!
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